Charity collection van makes last visit to Borders

The Blythswood Care Collection Van will be making its last visit to the Borders next week to collect donated goods – clothing, books, bric a brac, toys, household goods and small items of furniture.

The charity has announced a new system for collecting second hand goods from supporters from January 2016.

The traditional collection van is being replaced by a network of collection banks in a number of locations, some of which have been in operation for some time. These can be accessed at any time of day.

Operations manager Ian Matheson explained: “Apart from the Borders and the Dumfries and Galloway areas we have textile banks and partner charities where items can be donated.

“We would also like to place more textile banks in communities within 90 minutes’ drive of Blythswood’s depot in Hillington, and we are considering a set of textiles donation banks for the Borders.”

He added: “We have been reluctant to reduce the number of monthly collections as we have had tremendous support from the public for many years, for which we are most grateful. However we must develop more economic methods, to make best use of our resources for the sake of the people who are being helped by our projects.”

The Highland-based charity delivers £4 million of aid each year, benefiting vulnerable children and adults in Europe, Africa and Asia, while also running ten food banks and a rehabilitation unit in Scotland.

The van will call on Monday December 7 at Morrison’s, Hawick, from 11.15-11.40am; West Port Car Park, Selkirk from 12.10-12.30pm; Asda, Galashiels from 12.50-1.10pm; Melrose Rugby Club from 1.55-2.20pm; and Carfraemill Hotel, Lauder from 2.45 - 3.00pm.

The organisation will continue to pick up donated goods where it is economic to do so and would be happy to hear from anyone who can assist, particularly in finding sites for collection banks. For further information please contact Allan Band or Margaret Tooth on 0141 882 0585 or email glasgowdepot@blythswood.org.